These courses cover the basic chemistry of carbon-containing molecules. Modern principles of chemical bonding are used to develop an understanding of the structure of organic molecules and the reactivity of organic compounds. Thus, the course is organized along the lines of reaction mechanisms rather than by functional groups. The laboratory portion of the course introduces the student to the various techniques involved in the isolation, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds. The laboratory parallels the course lectures so that there is a practical application of theoretical principles. Extensive use is made of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
Prerequisites: CHEM 250. Students who have CHEM 251 transfer credit may not take this course.